Pregnancy Week 16

What’s your baby up to?

Your baby is now about the size of an avocado, measuring about 11.5 cm long from crown to rump, and weighing around 100 g.

Your baby is so active. He is moving and kicking, making sucking motions with his mouth and even putting on some reflex facial expressions. Your baby’s skin is still very thin and translucent, and his head is now covered with a fine, soft hair known as lanugo.

His bones continue to harden, and his muscles are much stronger by now.  As a result, the head and neck are more straightened. The eyes are moving closer to the front of his head, and the ears are getting to their final position.

If you are having a baby boy, his testicles would have started descending from his abdomen by now. It may take about 3 months before it gets to it’s final position (the scrotum).

How are you doing?

By 16 weeks your baby is moving and kicking quite a lot.  You may not have felt it because these early kicks known as ‘quickening‘ are often mistaken for flutters or gas bubbles in the tummy. In the coming weeks, you will be able to tell for sure.

By now you have about 50% more volume of blood in your body. Increased supply of blood to the skin, coupled with stretching of the veins caused by pregnancy hormones, can result in the appearance of varicose veins.

Your bump is becoming more and more prominent, as the top of your uterus is now located about halfway between your pubic bone and your navel.

If you are fortunate like some women, then by this stage, pregnancy won’t be all bad news, as there are some perks of pregnancy you might be experiencing. Most women are spotting the famous ‘pregnancy glow’ by now, with their skin so fresh and supple, and their hair so full and shiny. Most women are feeling a whole lot better now with less nausea and fewer mood swings. Some women also have an increased sex drive. Some other women may not be as lucky.

What should you do this week?

Avoid being on your back for long periods of time. Being on your back for extended periods can block circulation and can also cause low blood pressure and dizziness. Lie on your side while sleeping and avoid exercising on your back.

If you have varicose veins, then staying active, wearing compression stockings, putting up your legs, and avoiding standing or sitting for too long, are all effective ways you can manage the problem.

Urinary tract infections are common in pregnancy and should be treated quickly. Any pain during urination should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible .

Finally, stay informed, healthy and inspired, by reading  Maternity Nest. Connect with other moms-to-be for moral support, by joining your Due Date Club in the The Nest.